U.S. patent application number 13/947547 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-06 for electrical connector including latch assembly with pull tab.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert W. Brown, Robert E. Marshall. Invention is credited to Robert W. Brown, Robert E. Marshall.
Application Number | 20140038447 13/947547 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50025921 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140038447 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Robert W. ; et
al. |
February 6, 2014 |
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR INCLUDING LATCH ASSEMBLY WITH PULL TAB
Abstract
An electrical connector can includes a connector housing that
includes a housing body and further includes at least one fulcrum
supported by the housing body. The electrical connector further
includes at least one electrical contact supported by the connector
housing, the at least one electrical contact configured to mate
with a complementary electrical contact of a complementary
electrical connector. The electrical connector further includes a
latch assembly. The latch assembly can include an actuator and a
latch. The actuator can have an actuator portion, an attachment
portion, and at least one arm that extends between the actuator
portion and the attachment portion. The latch can have a latch body
that defines an attachment portion that is configured to be
attached to the attachment portion of the actuator, such that
movement of the actuator in a predetermined direction causes the
pivot member to ride along the fulcrum, thereby pivoting the latch
from a latched position to an unlatched position.
Inventors: |
Brown; Robert W.;
(Harrisburg, PA) ; Marshall; Robert E.;
(Elizabethtown, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brown; Robert W.
Marshall; Robert E. |
Harrisburg
Elizabethtown |
PA
PA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50025921 |
Appl. No.: |
13/947547 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61680138 |
Aug 6, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/350 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/6275 20130101;
H01R 13/62 20130101; H01R 13/6335 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/350 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/62 20060101
H01R013/62 |
Claims
1. An electrical connector comprising: a connector housing
including a housing body and further including at least one fulcrum
supported by the housing body; at least one electrical contact
supported by the connector housing, the at least one electrical
contact configured to mate with a complementary electrical contact
of a complementary electrical connector; and a latch assembly
including: an actuator having an actuator portion, a first
attachment portion, and at least one arm that extends between the
actuator portion and the first attachment portion; and a latch
having a latch body that defines a second attachment portion that
is configured to be attached to the first attachment portion, a
latch portion, and at least one pivot member disposed between the
second attachment portion and the latch portion, wherein the latch
body further includes a latch member that extends from the latch
portion toward the connector housing, wherein when the first
attachment portion is attached to the second attachment portion,
movement of the actuator in a predetermined direction causes the
pivot member to ride along the fulcrum, thereby pivoting the latch
from a latched position to an unlatched position.
2. The electrical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the
fulcrum defines a central axis that extends substantially
perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and the movement
causes the pivot member to revolve about the central axis of the
fulcrum.
3. The electrical connector as recited in claim 2, wherein the
pivot member defines a pivot axis, and the latch body is configured
to pivot about the pivot axis in response to the movement of the
actuator, such that the pivot axis revolves about the central axis
of the fulcrum.
4. The electrical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein when the
latch body is in the latched position, the latch member is disposed
closer to the housing body than when the latch body is in the
unlatched position.
5. The electrical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the
latch further comprises a spring that extends from the latch body,
the spring providing a spring force that biases the latch member
toward the latched position.
6. The electrical connector as recited in claim 5, wherein the
spring resiliently flexes against the housing as the latch member
pivots from the latched position to the unlatched position.
7. The electrical connector as recited in claim 6, wherein the
spring extends from the latch body substantially along a direction
that is substantially perpendicular to the predetermined
direction.
8. The electrical connector as recited in claim 6, wherein the
spring is a first spring, the latch further comprises a second
spring that extends from the latch body along a direction opposite
that of the first spring.
9. The electrical connector as recited in claim 5, wherein the
spring is monolithic with the latch body.
10. The electrical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein: the
second attachment portion comprises first and second side walls
that are spaced apart along a lateral direction that is
substantially perpendicular to the predetermined direction so as to
define a slot between the first and second side walls and a first
distance that extends along the lateral direction through the slot
from the first side wall to the second side wall; and the first
attachment portion comprises 1) a neck that extends along the
lateral direction a second distance that is no greater than the
first distance, and 2) a cross-bar that extends from the neck so as
to define a third distance along the lateral direction that is
greater than the first distance, such that the neck is configured
to extend through the slot such that the cross-bar bears against at
least one of the first and second arms during the movement of the
actuator.
11. The electrical connector as recited in claim 10, wherein the
second attachment portion further comprises an end wall connected
between the first and second side walls, such that the cross-bar
further bears against the end wall during the movement of the
actuator.
12. The electrical connector as recited in claim 1, further
comprising at least one support block that extends from the housing
body, the support block defining a recess that is sized to receive
the pivot member at a location adjacent the fulcrum.
13. The electrical connector as recited in claim 12, wherein the
pivot member is adjacent the fulcrum along the predetermined
direction when the pivot member is disposed in the recess.
14. The electrical connector as recited in claim 13, wherein the
pivot member abuts the fulcrum both when the latch is in the
latched position and when the latch is in the unlatched
position.
15. The electrical connector as recited in claim 14, wherein a
first location of the pivot member abuts the fulcrum when the latch
is in the latched position, and a second location of the pivot
member that is spaced from the first location abuts the fulcrum
when the latch is in the unlatched position.
16. The electrical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the
latch comprises a pair of attachment portions that are spaced from
each other along the predetermined direction, each of the
attachment portions configured to attach to the first attachment
portion.
17. The electrical connector as recited in claim 10, wherein the
latch comprises a pair of attachment portions that are spaced from
each other along the predetermined direction, a select one
attachment portion of the pair of attachment portions defines the
slot and the other attachment portion of the pair of attachment
portions defines a second slot.
18. The electrical connector as recited in claim 17, wherein the
neck extends through the second slot in a first direction and
extends through the slot in a second direction opposite the first
direction such that the cross-bar bears against the first and
second side walls of the select one attachment member.
19. The electrical connector as recited in claim 17, wherein the
pivot member is disposed closer to the select one attachment
portion than the other attachment portion.
20. An electrical connector comprising: a connector housing; at
least one electrical contact supported by the connector housing,
the at least one electrical contact configured to mate with a
complementary electrical contact of a complementary electrical
connector; and a latch assembly including: a latch having a latch
body that defines a latch attachment portion, a latch portion, and
at least one pivot member disposed between the second attachment
portion and the latch portion, wherein the latch body further
includes a latch member that extends from the latch portion toward
the connector housing, the latch attachment portion including first
and second side walls that are spaced apart so as to define a slot
therebetween; an actuator having an actuator portion, an actuator
attachment portion, and at least one arm that extends between the
actuator portion and the actuator attachment portion, the actuator
attachment portion including a neck, and a cross-bar that extends
from the neck, such that the neck is configured to extend through
the slot so that the cross-bar bears against at least one of the
first and second arms, thereby attaching the actuator attachment
portion to the latch attachment portion; wherein when the actuator
attachment portion is attached to the latch attachment portion,
movement of the actuator in a predetermined direction causes the
pivot member to pivot the latch from a latched position to an
unlatched position, whereby the latch member is disposed closer to
the connector housing when the pivot member is in the latch
position with respect to when the pivot member is in the unlatched
position.
21. The electrical connector as recited in claim 20, wherein 1) the
first and second side walls of the latch attachment portion are
spaced apart a first distance along a lateral direction that is
substantially perpendicular to the predetermined direction, 2) the
neck extends along the lateral direction a second distance that is
no greater than the first distance, and 3) the cross-bar defines a
third distance along the lateral direction that is greater than the
first distance.
22. The electrical connector as recited in claim 20, wherein the
latch attachment portion further comprises an end wall connected
between the first and second side walls, such that the cross-bar
further bears against the end wall during the movement of the
actuator.
23. The electrical connector as recited in claim 20, wherein the
latch comprises a pair of latch attachment portions that are spaced
from each other along the predetermined direction, each of the
latch attachment portions configured to attach to the actuator
attachment portion.
24. The electrical connector as recited in claim 23, wherein the
pair of latch attachment portions are spaced from each other along
the predetermined direction, a select latch attachment portion of
the pair of latch attachment portions defines the slot and the
other latch attachment portion of the pair of latch attachment
portions defines a second slot.
25. The electrical connector as recited in claim 24, wherein the
slot is a first slot, and the neck extends through the second slot
in a first direction and extends through the first slot in a second
direction opposite the first direction such that the cross-bar
bears against the first and second side walls of the select latch
attachment member.
26. The electrical connector as recited in claim 25, wherein the
pivot member is disposed closer to the select latch attachment
portion than the other latch attachment portion.
27. The electrical connector as recited in claim 24, wherein the
first and second side walls extend substantially straight between
the each of the pair of latch attachment portions.
28. The electrical connector as recited in claim 24, wherein the
first and second side walls at the select latch attachment portion
are angularly offset with respect to the first and second side at
the other latch attachment portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/680,138 filed Aug. 6, 2012, the disclosure
of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its
entirety herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electrical connectors include a connector housing that
carries a plurality of electrical contacts configured to
electrically connect a pair of electrical components. For instance,
the electrical contacts can electrically connect to a cable at one
end, and can mate with a complementary electrical connector at a
mating end, thereby placing the complementary electrical connector
in electrical communication with the cable. In some instances, for
example when the complementary electrical connector is mounted onto
a printed circuit board or backpanel, conventional electrical
connectors include a latch that is coupled to the connector
housing, and configured to removably secure the electrical
connector to the complementary electrical connector so as to
prevent the electrical connectors from inadvertently becoming
unmated.
SUMMARY
[0003] In accordance with one embodiment, an electrical connector
includes a connector housing that includes a housing body and
further includes at least one fulcrum supported by the housing
body. The electrical connector further includes at least one
electrical contact supported by the connector housing, the at least
one electrical contact configured to mate with a complementary
electrical contact of a complementary electrical connector. The
electrical connector further includes a latch assembly. The latch
assembly can include an actuator and a latch. The actuator can have
an actuator portion, an attachment portion, and at least one arm
that extends between the actuator portion and the attachment
portion. The latch can have a latch body that defines an attachment
portion that is configured to be attached to the attachment portion
of the actuator, a latch portion, and at least one pivot member
disposed between the attachment portion and the latch portion. The
latch body further includes a latch member that extends from the
latch portion toward the connector housing. When the attachment
portion of the actuator is attached to the attachment portion of
the latch, movement of the actuator in a predetermined direction
causes the pivot member to ride along the fulcrum, thereby pivoting
the latch from a latched position to an unlatched position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of an example embodiment of the application, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings, in which there is shown in the drawings an example
embodiment for the purposes of illustration. It should be
understood, however, that the application is not limited to the
precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the
drawings:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector
coupled to a pair of cables, constructed in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 2 is an isolated view of the electrical connector
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0007] FIG. 3 is an enhanced view of the electrical connector
illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, including a connector housing and a latch
assembly that includes a latch and an actuator in a latched
position;
[0008] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the connector housing
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, showing electrical contacts that are
supported by the connector housing;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the connector housing
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, showing the electrical contacts that are
supported by the connector housing;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the connector housing
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;
[0011] FIG. 7 is an isolated view of the actuator illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3;
[0012] FIG. 8A is an isolated view of the latch illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3;
[0013] FIG. 8B is an isolated view of a latch constructed according
to another embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the connector housing and a
portion of the latch assembly of FIGS. 1-3 in an unlatched
position;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of the connector housing
and a portion of the latch assembly of FIG. 9 in the unlatched
position;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a sectional side view of the connector housing
and a portion of the latch assembly of FIG. 9 in a latched
position;
[0017] FIG. 12A is an isolated view of an actuator in accordance
with another embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 12B is an isolated view of a latch constructed
according to yet another embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 12C is an isolated view of a latch constructed
according to yet another embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the pair of cables coupled
to an electrical connector that includes the connector housing of
FIGS. 1-6 and a latch assembly constructed according to another
embodiment, wherein the latch assembly includes the actuator shown
in FIG. 12A and the latch shown in FIG. 12C.
[0021] FIG. 13B is a sectional side view of the connector housing
and a portion of the latch assembly of FIG. 13A in the latched
position;
[0022] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a latch assembly
constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment, wherein the
latch assembly includes the actuator shown in FIG. 12A and the
latch shown in FIG. 12B; and
[0023] FIG. 14B is a sectional side view of the connector housing
and a portion of the latch assembly of FIG. 14A in the latched
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1-14B in general, an electrical connector
includes a latch assembly including a latch and an actuator that is
configured to actuate the latch between a latched position and an
unlatched position. The electrical connector can be configured as a
cable connector having a low profile housing, and mounting ends
that are spaced horizontally from each other, and thus electrically
connect with cables that are spaced horizontally from each other.
The latch assembly is supported by an upper surface of the
housing.
[0025] For convenience, the same or equivalent elements in the
various embodiments illustrated in the drawings have been
identified with the same reference numerals. Certain terminology is
used in the following description for convenience only and is not
limiting. The words "left," "right," "front," "rear," "upper," and
"lower" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is
made. The words "forward," "forwardly," "rearward," "inner,"
"inward," "inwardly," "outer," "outward," "outwardly," "upward,"
"upwardly," "downward," and "downwardly" refer to directions toward
and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the object
referred to and designated parts thereof. The terminology intended
to be non-limiting includes the above-listed words, derivatives
thereof and words of similar import.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, an electrical connector 200 includes
a connector housing 202 that includes at least one housing body
207. The housing body 207 defines a front end 208 and an opposed
rear end 210 that is spaced from the front end 208 along a first or
longitudinal direction L. The housing body 207 further defines
opposed first and second sides 212 that are spaced apart from each
other along a second or lateral direction A that is substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The housing body 207
further defines a top end 204 and an opposed bottom end 206 that is
spaced from the top end 204 along a third or transverse direction T
that is substantially perpendicular to both the longitudinal and
lateral directions L and A, respectively. In accordance with the
illustrated embodiment, the transverse direction T is oriented
vertically, and the longitudinal and lateral directions L and A,
respectively, are oriented horizontally, although the orientation
of the connector housing 202 may vary during use. The connector
housing 202 can be made from any suitable dielectric material, such
as plastic, or can be an electrically conductive material such as
metal, and can be fabricated using any desired process.
[0027] The housing body 207 defines a first or front housing
portion 214 that includes the front end 208, and a second or rear
housing portion 216 that includes the rear end 210 and is disposed
longitudinally behind the front housing portion 214. The front
housing portion 214 can include a shroud 218 that surrounds at
least one electrical contact such as a plurality of electrical
conductors 232. The shroud 218 defines at least one surface, such
as an upper surface 220 that is inwardly recessed with respect to
an upper surface 222 of the rear housing portion 216 along the
transverse direction T. The connector housing 202 defines a mating
interface 224 at the front end 208 of the front housing portion 214
that can be configured to mate with a complementary electrical
connector along the longitudinal direction L, and an opposed
mounting interface 226 at the rear end 210 of the rear housing
portion 216 that can be configured to mount to a complementary
electrical component. In particular, referring to FIG. 1, the
illustrated shroud 218 is configured to interface with a
complementary connector housing of the complementary electrical
connecter so as to place the electrical conductors 232 in
electrical communication with complementary electrical contacts of
the complementary electrical connector. In accordance with the
illustrated embodiment, the shroud 218 is configured to be received
in the complementary connector housing of the complementary
electrical connector.
[0028] Still referring to FIG. 1, the electrical connector 200
includes at least one electrical conductor 232 supported by the
connector housing 202, and in particular supported by the housing
body 207 at a location between the top end 204 and the bottom end
206. The electrical conductors 232 are configured to mate with a
complementary electrical contact of a complementary electrical
connector, and can be at least partially supported at the front
housing portion 214 of the housing body 207. The mounting interface
226 can be provided as a ferrule 227 that extends along the
longitudinal direction L from the rear end 210 of the connector
housing 202. The illustrated ferrule 227 is configured to receive
an electrical component in the form of cables 246 and 248 and is
operably coupled to the electrical conductors 232. The illustrated
ferrule 227 can be configured to allow the cables 246 and 248 to
move without cracking or breaking. Thus, the ferrule 227 can also
referred to as a strain relief 227 without limitation. The cables
246 and 248 can be a high-speed copper or fiber-optic cable that is
in electrical communication with the electrical conductors 232 at
the mating interface 224. In accordance with the illustrated
embodiment, the cables 246 and 248 can be adjacent to each other
along the lateral direction A, such that each of the cables 246 and
248 extend from the ferrule 227 along the longitudinal direction L,
and each cable has substantially the same orientation in the
transverse direction T, although other configurations are possible.
Thus, an electrical connector assembly, for instance an electrical
connector assembly 201, can include the electrical connector 200
and the cables 246 and 248 that are configured to be electrically
connected to the electrical connector 200, or that is electrically
connected to the electrical connector 200, at the mounting
interface 226. For instance, the cable 246 and 248 can be power
cables, data transfer cables, and in one embodiment can be fiber
optic cables, such that the electrical connector 200 is configured
to mate with the complementary connector in the form of an optical
transceiver. While the mounting interface 226 is illustrated in
FIG. 1 as including a single ferrule/strain relief 227 configured
to retain a pair of cables, it should be appreciated that the
mounting interface 226 can be configured to receive a single cable
or more than two cables, and to operably couple the cables 246 and
248 to select ones of the electrical conductors 232 as desired.
Thus, the electrical connector 200 can be electrically connected to
at least one cable at the mounting interface 226. It should be
further appreciated that the mounting interface 226 can be
configured to place the electrical conductors 232 in electrical
communication with any suitable alternative electrical component as
desired.
[0029] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the mating
interface 224 and the mounting interface 226 are oriented parallel
to each other and the mating and mounting directions are parallel
to each other, such that the electrical connector 200 can be
referred to as a vertical connector, though it should be
appreciated that the electrical connector can be configured as
desired. For instance, the electrical connector 200 can be
configured as a right angle connector if desired, wherein the
mating interface 224 is oriented perpendicular to the mounting
interface 226.
[0030] Various structures are described herein as extending
horizontally along a first longitudinal direction "L" and a second
or lateral direction "A" that is substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction L, and vertically along a third or
transverse direction "T" that is substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal and lateral directions L and A, respectively. As
illustrated, the longitudinal direction "L" extends along a
forward/rearward direction of the connector housing 202, and thus
the electrical connector 200, and defines a mating direction M
along which one or both of the electrical connector 200 and a
complementary electrical connector are moved relative to each other
so as to mate the electrical connector 200 with the complementary
electrical connector. For instance, the mating direction M of the
illustrated connector housing 202, and thus the electrical
connector 200, is in a forward direction along the longitudinal
direction L, and the connector housing 202 can be unmated from a
complementary connector housing, and thus a complementary
electrical connector, by moving the connector housing 202 in an
opposed longitudinally rearward direction relative to the
complementary housing when the connector housing 202 is in an
unlatched position. As illustrated, the lateral direction "A"
extends along a width of the connector housing 202.
[0031] Thus, unless otherwise specified herein, the terms
"lateral," "longitudinal" and "transverse" are used to describe the
orthogonal directional components of various components. The terms
"inboard" and "inner," and "outboard" and "outer" and like terms
when used with respect to a specified directional component are
intended to refer to directions along the directional component
toward and away from the center of the apparatus being described.
It should be appreciated that while the longitudinal and lateral
directions are illustrated as extending along a horizontal plane,
and that while the transverse direction is illustrated as extending
along a vertical plane, the planes that encompass the various
directions may differ during use, depending, for instance, on the
orientation of the various components. Accordingly, the directional
terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are used to describe the
electrical connector 200 and its components as illustrated merely
for the purposes of clarity and convenience, it being appreciated
that these orientations may change during use.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 4, the connector housing 202 can include a
first side portion 228 and a second side portion 230 that can be
joined to the first side portion 228 so as to construct the
connector housing 202, though it should be appreciated that the
connector housing 202 can alternatively be a monolithic structure.
The electrical conductors 232 are illustrated as electrical traces
that are carried by at least one substrate 234, which can be
provided as one or more, such as a pair of, printed circuit boards
236. It should be appreciated, however, that the electrical
conductors 232 can be alternatively configured as desired. Each
printed circuit board 236 defines a first mounting end 238 and an
opposed second mating end 240. The electrical conductors 232 define
a first plurality of contact pads 242 at the mounting end 238, and
a second plurality of contact pads 244 at the mating end 240 that
are in electrical communication with the contact pads 242 at the
mounting end 238. The first plurality of contact pads 242 are
configured to electrically connect to the electrical component that
is connected to the electrical connector 200 at the mounting
interface 226, such as the cables 246 and 248. The second plurality
of contact pads 244 are configured to electrically connect to the
complementary electrical connector that is connected to the
electrical connector 200 at the mating interface 224. For instance,
the mating end 240 can be received in a receptacle of the
complementary connector housing so as to place the electrical
conductors 232 in electrical communication with the complementary
electrical contacts.
[0033] Referring also to FIGS. 5-6, the connector housing 202 can
include at least one fulcrum 205 supported by the housing body 207,
and at least one support block 203 that is also supported by the
housing body 207. For instance, the at least one fulcrum 205 and
the at least one support block 203 can be monolithic with the
housing body 207 or can alternatively be attached to the housing
body 207 as desired. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment,
the at least one support block 203 includes first and second
support blocks 203 that are supported by the housing body 207. The
first and second support blocks 203 can be spaced from each other
along the lateral direction A, such that the first support block
203 is disposed proximate to the first side 212 and the second
support block 203 is disposed proximate to the second side 212.
Each of the support blocks 203 can protrude along the transverse
direction T from the top end 204 of the housing body 207. Each
support block 203 can include a support block body that defines a
front wall 252 and an opposed rear wall 254 that is rearwardly
spaced from the front wall 252 along the longitudinal direction L.
The front wall 252 and the rear wall 254 extend outward from the
top end 204 of the housing body 207, for instance in the transverse
direction T. Further, each support block body can further define a
cross-bar 256 that is connected to the front wall 252 and the rear
wall 254 such that a recess 258 is at least partially defined by
support block 203 and the top end 204 of the connector housing 202.
The recess 258 can extend at least into or through the support
block body along the lateral direction A. In the illustrated
embodiment, the recesses 258 are configured as substantially
rectangular apertures, although it should be appreciated that
support blocks 203 can define recesses 258 having any alternative
shape as desired.
[0034] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the at least
one fulcrum 205 includes first and second fulcrums 205 that are
supported by support blocks 203, and thus by the housing body 207.
Each fulcrum 205 can be configured as a cylindrical body that can
be elongate along the lateral direction A, and can define a central
axis 209 that can extend along a direction substantially parallel
to the top end 204 of the housing body 207, and can be spaced above
the top end 204 of the housing body 207 in accordance with the
illustrated embodiment. Each fulcrum 205 defines an outer surface
211 that can extend about the central axis 209. For instance, the
outer surfaces 211 can revolve about the respective central axes
209 in accordance with the illustrated embodiment. Further, the
central axes 209 of each of the fulcrums 205 can be coincident with
each other. Although the illustrated embodiment shows fulcrums in a
cylindrical configuration extending away from the rear wall 254 in
the lateral direction A, the shape of the fulcrums, orientation of
the fulcrums on the housing body 207, and number of fulcrums may
vary according to various embodiments. In accordance with the
illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second fulcrums 205
can be attached to the respective first and second support blocks
203, for instance to the rear walls 254, or can be spaced from the
first and second support blocks 203 along one or both of the
lateral direction A and the longitudinal direction L as
desired.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, 7, 8A, and 9, the electrical
connector 200 further includes a latch assembly 300 that can be
configured to releasably lock the connector housing 202 to the
complementary connector housing of the complementary electrical
connector to which the electrical connector 200 is mated. In
accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the latch assembly 300
is supported by the rear housing portion 216, and extends
longitudinally forward to the front housing portion 214. Thus, the
rear housing portion 216 can be said to define a latch support body
302 that supports the latch assembly 300. The latch assembly 300
can include a latch 305 and an actuator 304 that is configured to
attach to the latch 305 and actuate the latch 305 to move between a
latched position and an unlatched position, as will now be
described.
[0036] With particular reference to FIG. 7, the actuator 304 can
define an actuator portion 320, an actuator attachment portion 322
which can be referred to as a first attachment portion, and at
least one arm 308 that extends between the actuator portion 320 and
the actuator attachment portion 322. The actuator 304 can further
define reinforcement supports, for instance first and second
reinforcement supports 311, that extend from the arm 308. In
accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the first and second
reinforcement supports 311 are C-shaped, although it will be
understood that the first and second reinforcement supports 311 can
be alternatively shaped as desired. The first and second
reinforcement supports 311 can be spaced opposite each other along
the lateral direction A. For instance, the first reinforcement
support 311 can protrude from a first side of the arm 308 and the
second reinforcement support 311 can protrude from a second side of
the 308 that is opposite the first side along the lateral direction
A. It will be understood that while the illustrated actuator 304
includes two reinforcement supports, the actuator 304 can be devoid
of reinforcement supports or can include any number of
reinforcement supports as desired. Further, while the illustrated
first and second reinforcement supports 311 are proximate to the
actuator portion 320, it will be understood that the reinforcement
supports can be alternatively located on the actuator 304 as
desired.
[0037] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the first and
second reinforcement supports 311 can be configured to receive one
or more reinforcement bands, for instance a rubber band, such that
the reinforcement band wraps around the actuator 304 and the cables
246 and 246. For instance, the reinforcement band and the
reinforcement supports 311 can be configured such that the
reinforcement band attaches to the arm 308 and the cables 246 and
248 so that the actuator 308 is parallel to the cables 246 and 248
along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the first and second
reinforcement supports 311 can be configured to prevent one or more
reinforcement bands from substantially sliding along the
longitudinal direction L. It will be understood that the actuator
304 can be devoid of reinforcement supports and/or reinforcement
bands as desired.
[0038] The actuator 304 can be referred to as a pull tab according
to an example embodiment. The actuator attachment portion 322 of
the actuator 304 can include a neck 324 and a cross-bar 326. In
accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the neck 324 extends
between the arm 308 and the cross-bar 326 along the longitudinal
direction L, and can define a width 325 in the lateral direction A
that is less than that of both the arm 308 and the cross-bar 326.
The arm 308 defines a distal end 318 and a proximal end 316 that is
spaced from the distal end 318 along a predetermined direction P,
which can be rearward along the longitudinal direction L.
Accordingly, movement of the actuator 304 along the predetermined
direction P causes the latch 305 to move, for instance pivot about
the fulcrum 205, along a direction from the latched position to the
unlatched position. The actuator portion 320, which can be
configured as a grip, extends rearward along the longitudinal
direction L from the proximal end 316 of the arm 308. In this
regard, the actuator 304 can be referred to as a pull tab, such
that the user can grip the actuator portion 320 and apply a force
that urges the actuator portion 320 to move in the predetermined
direction P.
[0039] The neck 324 extends forward along the longitudinal
direction from the distal end 318 of the arm 308 in a direction
opposite to the predetermined direction, and the cross-bar 326
extends outward along the lateral direction A from the neck 324,
for instance, from the distal end of the neck 324. The neck 324 can
be flexible as desired. It should be appreciated that the
directional terms "proximal" and "forward" and derivatives can
refer to a direction along the longitudinal direction L from the
proximal end 316 of the arm toward the distal end 318 of the arm
308. It should be further appreciated that the directional terms
"distal" and "rearward" and derivatives thereof can refer to a
direction along the longitudinal direction L from the distal end
318 toward the proximal end 316.
[0040] Continuing to refer to FIG. 7, the actuator attachment
portion 322, including the neck 324 and the cross-bar 326, the arm
308, and the actuator portion 320, can all be integral and
monolithic with each other. Alternatively, it should be appreciated
that any one or more of the components of the actuator portion 320
can alternatively be separate from one or more other components of
the actuator portion 320. For instance, referring to FIG. 12A, an
actuator 304a can include an actuator attachment portion 322a that
includes a neck 324a and the cross-bar 326 which can be separate
from the arm 308 and attached to the arm 308 in any manner desired.
Further, as illustrated in FIG. 12A, the neck 324a, and thus the
actuator attachment portion 322a, can define an offset portion 327
such that a first neck portion 329 is offset in a downwardly
transverse direction as compared to a second neck portion 331. In
accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the first neck portion
329 extends rearward along the longitudinal direction L from the
cross-bar 326 and the second neck portion 331 extends forward along
the longitudinal direction L from the distal end 318 of the arm
308. Thus, the neck 324a, and thus the actuator attachment portion
322a, can include the first neck portion 329, the second neck
portion 331, and the offset portion 327 that extends between the
first and second neck portions 329 and 331 such that the first neck
portion 329 is offset with respect to the second neck portion 331
along the transverse direction T that is substantially
perpendicular to both the predetermined and lateral directions P
and A, respectively. Further, the offset portion 327 can extend
between the first neck portion 329 and the second neck portion 331
such that the cross-bar 326a is downwardly offset from the arm 308
along the transverse direction T. It will be understood that the
offset portion 327 can be angled, curved, or alternatively shaped
as desired.
[0041] With particular reference to FIG. 8A, in accordance with the
illustrated embodiment, the latch 305 includes a latch body 306
that defines a latch attachment portion 310, which can be referred
to as a second attachment portion, that is configured to be
attached to the actuator attachment portion 322 of the actuator
304. The latch body 306 further defines a latch portion 312 and at
least one pivot member 340, such as first and second pivot members
340, disposed between the latch attachment portion 310 and the
latch portion 312. The latch body 306 further includes a latch
member 314 that extends from the latch portion 312 toward the
connector housing 202. Thus, when the latch body 306 is in the
latched position as shown in FIG. 3, the latch member 314 is
disposed closer to the housing body 207 than when the latch body
306 is in the unlatched position as shown in FIG. 9. Accordingly,
when the latch body 306 is in the latched position, the electrical
connector 200 is configured to capture a complementary connector
housing of the complementary electrical connector between the latch
member 314 and the housing body 207, for instance between the latch
member 314 and the top end 204 of the front housing 214. In
accordance with the illustrated embodiment (see FIGS. 2, 8A, and
11), the cross-bar 326 can bear against the first and second pivot
members 340 when the latch 305 is in the latched position. For
instance, the cross-bar 326 can be substantially cylindrical and
elongate in the lateral direction A, and the pivot members 340 can
be rounded such that the cylindrical cross-bar 326 fits at least
partially within a concave recess defined by the rounded pivot
members 340 when the latch 305 is in the latched position.
[0042] Referring again to FIGS. 2-3 and 8A, the latch attachment
portion includes first and second side walls 346 and 348, which
also can be referred to as first and second arms 346 and 348, that
are spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction A,
which can be substantially perpendicular to the predetermined
direction P. Thus, the latch attachment portion 310 defines a slot
350 that is defined between the first and second side walls 346 and
348 along the lateral direction A. The slot 350 extends a first
distance along the lateral direction A from the first side wall 346
to the second side wall 348. The latch attachment portion 310
further includes an end wall 344 that extends from the first side
wall 346 to the second side wall 348. The latch 305 can further
include a second end wall 342 that extends between the front ends
of the first and second side walls 346 and 348. Thus, the first and
second side walls 346 and 348, and the first and second end walls
344 and 342 can at least partially define an outer perimeter of the
slot 350. As described above with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 7,
the neck 324 of the actuator 304 defines a second distance along
the lateral direction A that is no greater than, for instance less
than, the first distance. For instance, the width 325 of the neck
324 can define the second distance. The cross-bar 326 defines a
third distance along the lateral direction A that is greater than
the first distance, and thus also the second distance.
[0043] Accordingly, the neck 324 is configured to extend forward
through the slot 350 such that the end wall 344 is disposed between
at least a portion of the neck 324 and the cross-bar 326. As the
actuator 304 is moved rearward substantially along the longitudinal
direction L, the cross-bar 326 bears against at least one of the
first and second arms 346 and 348 and can slide along the first and
second arms 346 and 348 until the neck 324 bears against the end
wall 344, at which point a rearwardly directed force is applied to
the actuator 304 along the predetermined direction P, the actuator
transfers the rearwardly directed force to the latch 305. Further,
as the actuator 304 is moved rearward substantially along the
longitudinal direction L, the cross-bar 326 can bear against at
least one of the first and second arms 346 and 348 so as to apply a
downwardly directed force to the latch 305.
[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 9, the rear housing
portion 216, and thus the connector housing 202, defines at least
one recessed latch channel 250 that extends downward into the top
end 204 of the connector housing 202 in the transverse direction T.
The latch channel 250 can retain at least a portion of the latch
305 when the latch 305 is in the latched position. For instance,
the latch portion 312 can be disposed within the latch channel 250
when the latch 305 is in the latched position. In accordance with
the illustrated embodiment, the latch channel 250 extends forward
in the longitudinal direction L from the front walls 252 of the
support blocks 203 to the front end of the rear housing portion
216. The connector housing 202 can further define one or more
channel walls 251. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment,
the connector housing 202 defines a first channel wall 251a and a
second channel wall 251b that is spaced from the first channel wall
251a along the lateral direction A. Thus, the first and second
channel walls 251a and 251b and the upper surface 222 of the rear
housing portion 216 can define the latch channel 250. The latch
channel 250 can retain the latch portion 312 of the latch 305 such
that movement of the latch 305 along the lateral direction A is
limited when the latch 305 is in the latched position. In
particular, the first and second channel walls 251a and 251b can be
spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction A so as to
define a channel width CW (see FIG. 6) that is substantially equal
to, or greater than, a width of the latch 305 along the lateral
direction A. The channel width can be substantially equal to, or
greater than, the third distance that the cross-bar 326 defines
along the lateral direction A. For instance, the latch 305 can abut
the channel walls 251a and 251b when the latch 305 is in the
latched position such that the latch portion 312 is at least
partially disposed in the latch channel 250. While the illustrated
latch channel 250 includes channel walls 251 that are substantially
parallel with respect to each other so as to form a substantially
rectangular latch channel 250, it will be understood that the latch
channel can be curved or alternatively shaped as desired.
[0045] With particular reference to FIG. 8A, the latch 305 can
further include at least one spring 358 that extends from the latch
body 306. For instance, the spring 358 can provide a spring force
that biases the latch member 314 toward the latched position. The
spring 358 can resiliently flex against the housing body 207 as the
latch member 314 pivots from the latched position to the unlatched
position. Thus, the spring 358 can deflect as the actuator 304 is
moved rearward substantially along the longitudinal direction L and
the cross-bar 326 slides along at least one of the first and second
arms 346 and 348. The springs 358 can extend from the latch body
306 substantially along a direction that is substantially
perpendicular to the predetermined direction P. The springs 358 can
comprise a first spring that extends from the latch body 306
substantially along a direction that is substantially perpendicular
to the predetermined direction, and the latch 305 can further
comprise a second spring that extends from the latch body 306 along
a direction opposite that of the first spring. As will be
understood, the spring 358 can be monolithic with the latch body
306.
[0046] Referring also to FIGS. 9-11, the fulcrum 205 defines a
central axis that extends substantially perpendicular to the
predetermined direction P, and the movement causes the pivot member
340 to revolve about the central axis of the fulcrum. As further
illustrated, the pivot member 340 defines a pivot axis, and the
latch body 306 is configured to pivot about the pivot axis in
response to the movement of the actuator 304, such that the pivot
axis revolves about the central axis of the fulcrum. When the
attachment portion 322 of the actuator 304 is attached to the
attachment portion 310 of the latch, movement of the actuator 304
in a predetermined direction P, for instance that is rearward along
the longitudinal direction L, can cause the pivot member 340 to
pivot relative to the outer surface 211 of the fulcrum 205, thereby
pivoting the latch 305 from the latched position to the unlatched
position. For instance, the pivot member 340 can ride along the
outer surface 211 of fulcrum 205 (see FIGS. 10-11), thereby
pivoting the latch 305 from the latched position to the unlatched
position. Thus, in accordance with one embodiment, a first location
of the pivot member 340 can abut the fulcrum 205 when the latch 305
is in the latched position (see FIG. 11), and a second location of
the pivot member 340 that is spaced from the first location can
abut the fulcrum 205 when the latch 305 is in the unlatched
position (see. FIG. 10). The first and second locations can define
first and second locations of the outer surface of the pivot
members 340. For instance, the fulcrum 205 can define a central
axis 209 (see FIGS. 4 and 6) that extends substantially
perpendicular to the predetermined direction P, and the movement
causes the pivot member 340, and in particular the axis of the
pivot member 340, to revolve about the central axis 209 of the
fulcrum 205.
[0047] Further, the recess 258 that is defined by the support block
203 is sized to receive the pivot member 340 at a location adjacent
the fulcrum 205, such that the support block 203 captures the pivot
members 340 and secures the latch 305 to the connector housing 202.
Thus, the pivot member 340 can be adjacent the fulcrum along the
predetermined direction P when the pivot member 340 is disposed in
the recess 258. For instance, each pivot member 340 can be disposed
between the front wall 252 and rear wall 254 of the support block
203 along the longitudinal direction L. The pivot member 340 can
abut the fulcrum 205 both when the latch 305 is in the latched
position and when the latch 305 is in the unlatched position. The
pivot members 340 can bear against the cross-bar 256 of the support
block 340 when the latch 305 is in an unlatched position. It should
be appreciated that the pivot members 340 can be spaced below the
attachment portion 310. For instance, the pivot members 340 can be
spaced below at least part or all of the side walls 346 and 348
along the transverse direction T, and can be spaced below the end
wall 344 along the transverse direction T.
[0048] It is appreciated that the components of the latch assembly
300 can be integrally fabricated from a unitary flexible material.
The flexible material facilitates bending of the actuator 304, for
instance at its actuator attachment portion 322 (see FIG. 10), and
in particular at its neck 324, during operation. In accordance with
the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-11, as a force is
applied on the actuator 304 in the predetermined direction P so at
to move the actuator 304 in the predetermined direction P, the neck
324 can flex such that the cross-bar 326 slides out of the of the
concave recess defined by the pivot members 340 (see FIG. 9). As
the actuator 304 moves in the predetermined direction P, the
cross-bar 326 bears against at least one of the first and second
arms 346 and 348 and slides along the first and second arms 346 and
348, thus translating the force in the predetermined direction P to
a force that is substantially downward on the latch attachment
portion 310 of the latch 305.
[0049] As described above with reference to FIG. 8A, the latch 305
can include at least one spring member 358. Alternatively, the
latch 305 can be devoid of the at least one spring member 358, for
instance as illustrated by latches 305b-d in FIGS. 8B, 12B, and
12C, respectively. The latches 305b-d that are devoid of the spring
members 358 can define a weight that biases the latch member 314
toward the latched position. For instance, the respective latch
portions 312 of the latches 305b-d can define the weight and a
length along the longitudinal direction L that biases the latch
member 314 toward the latched position. Further, the support blocks
203 can abut the pivot members 340 such that, in combination with
the weight of the respective latch portions 312, the latch members
314 of the latches 305b-d are biased toward the latched position.
As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the latch 305 and the latch 305b
can include the latch attachment portion 310.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 12B and 12C, the latch attachment portion
310 can be configured as a first latch attachment portion 310a, and
the latch 305 can further include a second latch attachment portion
310b, for instance disposed rearward of the first latch attachment
portion 310a along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the latches
305c and 305b can include a respective pair of latch attachment
portions 310a and 310b that are spaced from each other along the
longitudinal direction L, and each of the latch attachment portions
310a and 310b can be configured to attach to the first attachment
portion 322 of the actuator 304. The first latch attachment portion
310a, which can be referred to as the select latch attachment
portion 310a, can be constructed as described above with respect to
the latch attachment portion 310, and the second latch attachment
portion 310b, which can be referred to as the other latch
attachment portion 310b, can be constructed substantially identical
with respect to the first latch attachment portion 310a, it being
appreciated that the first end wall 344 of the first latch
attachment portion 310a defines the second end wall 342b of the
second attachment portion 310b. The second latch attachment portion
310b defines a first end wall 347 attached between the first and
second side walls 346 and 348, such that the first end wall 347 is
disposed rearward of the first end wall 344 along the longitudinal
direction L. Accordingly, the second latch attachment portion 310b
defines a second slot 350b that extends between the first and
second side walls 346 and 348, and further extends between the end
walls 342b and 347. Thus, the pair of latch attachment portions
310a and 310b are spaced from each other along the predetermined
direction P, and the select latch attachment portion 310a of the
pair of latch attachment portions defines the slot 350b and the
other latch attachment portion 310b of the pair of latch attachment
portions defines the second slot 350b.
[0051] It should be appreciated that any of the latch embodiments
can attach to any of the actuator embodiments as desired so as to
form various suitable latch assemblies. For instance, referring to
FIGS. 13A, an electrical connector assembly 201a includes the
connector housing 202 and a latch assembly 300a that includes the
latch 305b and the actuator 304a. It should be appreciated that the
actuator attachment portion 322 of the actuator 304 can attach to
either of the first and second latch attachment portions 310a and
310b as desired. For instance, referring also to FIG. 13B, the
latch assembly 300a includes the acutator 304a that is attached to
first latch attachment portion 300a of the latch 305b.
Alternatively, referring to FIGS. 14A-14B, a latch assembly 300b
includes the latch 305c and the actuator 304a that includes the
neck 324a that extends through the second slot 350b in a first
direction, and further extends through the first slot 350a in a
second direction opposite the first direction, such that the
cross-bar 326 bears against the first and second side walls 346 and
348 at the first latch attachment member 310a. Thus, the neck 324a,
for instance the second neck portion 331 of the neck 324a, can bear
against the end wall 347, for instance when the latch 305c is in
the latched position. The pivot members 340 can be disposed closer
to the first latch attachment portion 310a than the second latch
attachment portion 310b.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 12C, the latch 305b can define side
walls 346 and 348 that extend substantially straight between the
first latch attachment portion 310a and the second latch attachment
portion 310b. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, that latch
305c can define side walls 346b and 348b at the second latch
attachment portion 310b that can be angularly offset with respect
to the side walls 346a and 348a at the first latch attachment
portion 310a. For instance, the side walls 346a and 348a at the
first latch attachment portion 310a can extend up and away from the
housing body 207 (see FIG. 14B) along the transverse direction T as
they extend rearward along the longitudinal direction L with
respect to the side walls 346b and 348b at the second latch
attachment portion 310b.
[0053] The embodiments described in connection with the illustrated
embodiments have been presented by way of illustration, and the
present invention is therefore not intended to be limited to the
disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, the structure and features of
each the embodiments described above can be applied to the other
embodiments described herein, unless otherwise indicated. For
instance, while the latch body 306 and the actuator 304 are
discretely connected in accordance with the illustrated embodiment,
the latch body 306 and the actuator 304 can alternatively be
integral with each other. Furthermore, while the latch body 306 is
discretely attached to the connector housing 202 in accordance with
the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that the latch
body 306 can alternatively be integral with the connector housing
202.
* * * * *